Swelling (aneurysm)
When one of the arteries in the body swells up abnormally, this is called an aneurysm.
Symptoms indicating the disease
Any artery in the body can swell up, but the commonest aneurysms are in:
- The artery in your abdomen
- The artery in your chest
- The artery in your pelvis
- The artery in your groin
- The artery in your knee
Initially these aneurysms cause no symptoms and at that stage the problem is usually discovered by chance. Some patients become aware of a pulsating lump in the abdomen, groin or hollow of the knee.
As the aneurysm gets larger, the risk of a tear increases, which can lead to a life-threatening bleed. Pain in your shoulder blades, chest or back is usually an early sign of a tear.
If blood clots come away from the aneurysm, this can cause a blockage of the arteries in your legs. Very large aneurysms can cause compression of surrounding structures such as the intestines, the ureter, a vein or a nerve.
Aortic aneurysm
When the aorta (the largest artery in the chest or abdomen) swells abnormally, this is called an aortic aneurysm. Above a certain diameter the risk of a tear or rupture increases. This usually results in death. It is therefore vital to identify and treat this disease early. An aortic aneurysm usually occurs in men from the age of 55 years, but women can also get an aneurysm.
Possible treatments
- Endovascular treatment (endoprosthesis)
- Traditional open surgery
- It is possible that your vascular surgeon may combine endovascular treatment with traditional open surgery or a keyhole operation. This depends on the location and severity of the narrowed artery or the complexity involved in the operation.